Posted on September 01, 2008 by Fiona Hilliard

Everyone’s been there…jumped into their rental car, turned the ignition, headed straight into the thick of airport traffic with taxis beeping and buses revving and in an attempt to switch on the radio, you try every dial, button and control, inadvertently switching on indicators, windshield wipers and de-icers/heat/air conditioning controls.  Not only are you a danger to yourself, but everyone else on the road too!  To help you get your bearings the next time you rent a car, we’ve come up with 10 tips for getting to know your rental car. 

• Check for scratches, dents and tears in upholstery.  While the car hire agent is circling the car making notes of scratches and blemishes, don’t be afraid to do the same.  It’s not unusual to find a scratch or two that the agent has overlooked. 

• Start the car.  Allowing the car to warm up gives you the chance to check if the car is running properly, with no unexplained noises.  Everyone looks out for scratches and dents, but few check to see how the car is actually running.

• Find and switch on the heating or AC.  This will allow the interior to heat up or cool down, depending where you’re renting.  A dark coloured car will be stiflingly hot in summer, so it’s a good idea to turn on the AC and allow the car to cool down while you get comfortable behind the wheel. 

• Check your maps.  Car hire pick-up points are usually located in the outer extremities of the airport.  Most car hire companies give you a map that shows the location of the car hire lot.  Before you leave for the open-road, take out your map and work out your route. 

• Adjust your mirrors.  A quick adjustment of the rear view mirror won’t cut it.  You have to take the side mirrors into account too.  This will save unnecessary panic when you join heavy traffic. 

• Figure out how to work the radio.  The quickest solution is to turn on the radio, figure out how to preset stations and then move on.

• Find out how to operate the windows.  This will save you the embarrassment of opening doors, and powering on windshield wipers when you get to your first tollbooth.

• Windscreen wipers: Do this before you tackle the lights.  If it starts to rain, you’ll be opening and closing windows and switching lights on and off. 

• Lights:  Locate the on-off switch.  Find the high-beam lights too.

• Put your car in gear and head for the exit.